Our Stories


Celebrating Black History Month: Ugonna Chigbo

Words St. Amant Celebrates Black History Month over photo of St.Amant staff member Ugonna Chigbo.

February 6, 2025

Rainbow design bar

Celebrating Black History Month: A Conversation with Ugonna Chigbo

At St.Amant, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and amplifying the voices of our community members. In honour of Black History Month, we sat down with Ugonna Chigbo, a Nigerian-Canadian and member of the St.Amant People of African Heritage Committee. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist with St.Amant Volunteer Services,

Ugonna shares his journey, cultural insights, and the importance of Black leadership and representation. See below for a conversation between Ugonna and Marcel Fisette, Manager of Communications at St.Amant.

Marcel Fisette: Hi Ugonna! Thanks for talking to us today. I’d like to ask you a few questions starting with your story and how it relates to this year’s Black History Month.

Ugonna Chigbo: Yeah, thanks for having me.

MF: Great! Let’s start with your personal and professional journey. Can you share a bit about yourself and your role at St.Amant?

UC: Yes! I am currently the Talent Acquisition Specialist with the Volunteer Services team. I started this role in late July 2024. I’ve involved with St.Amant prior to this, in other positions. I’ve also been a volunteer for 11 years, so this transition has been really rewarding.

MF: That’s wonderful. What inspired you to join the People of African Heritage Committee?

UC: I was inspired mostly because this committee is connected to my personal background. I come from Nigeria—first and foremost, I’m Nigerian. Joining this subcommittee allows me to express my opinions and be surrounded by like-minded people.

MF: Excellent. How has your cultural background shaped your work and leadership?

UC: My cultural background has shaped my work ethic significantly. Nigerians are known to be very hard-working people, and my family instilled that same value in me. They also taught me to be loyal, optimistic, and positive in my professional environment. So I get that, you know, mostly from my cultural background, and from family as well.

MF: That’s wonderful. Let’s move on to community involvement and impact. Can you share a proud moment from your work with the committee?

UC: Yes! A proud moment for me has been engaging with volunteers regularly and guiding them in different activities to ensure they find the right areas to contribute to. Specifically, working with the committee to help organize Black History Month events this February has been a highlight.

MF: Fantastic. What challenges do Black professionals face, and how does the committee help?

UC: One major challenge is representation on different platforms, particularly in leadership and other areas at work. I think the committee serves as an advocate for Black professionals, ensuring their voices are heard and they have a platform. Since I’m new to the committee, I’m still learning how it functions, but I look forward to being more involved.

MF: Thank you for sharing that. Let’s talk about Black leadership and legacy. What does Black leadership mean to you?

UC: Black leadership means having Black individuals in positions of power without being denied opportunities for advancement. It’s also about actively seeking out and encouraging Black professionals for leadership roles when they become available.

MF: Are there any Black leaders who have inspired you?

UC: Yes! The first person who comes to mind is my dad. He’s the president of our Igbo community here and an advocate for all things Black and African. On a global scale, Martin Luther King Jr. has always been inspirational because of his work in the civil rights movement. Another person I admire is Itah Sadu, a Canadian novelist and honorary bookstore owner in Toronto. She’s known for empowering women, particularly Black women.

MF: Let’s move on to Black History Month and beyond. Why is Black History Month important to you?

UC: Black History Month is important because it provides a platform to amplify Black voices, ideas, and opinions to be heard. It also allows me to showcase my cultural awareness, wear traditional outfits, and educate others about my heritage.

MF: How can organizations better support Black employees year-round?

UC: Organizations can support Black employees by hosting appreciation events, workshops, and leadership opportunities. It’s also important to actively ask fellow Black employees how can we make things better and then actually acting upon those requests.

MF: Those are great suggestions. If there was one key message you’d like to share about Black history and inclusion, what would it be?

UC: I would highlight the importance of supporting Black businesses. Many Black businesses are still growing and need infrastructure, funding, and personnel support. Providing those resources can help them thrive.

MF: In closing, what advice do you have for young Black professionals?

UC: My main advice is to keep going and never give up on your goals, no matter how challenging they seem. No matter how lofty they may seem, there’s always a way to achieve them.

MF: That’s fantastic! Ugonna, thank you so much for your time today and for sharing your thoughts in honor of Black History Month and your role at St.Amant. I truly appreciate it.

UC: Thank you, Marcel! I appreciate the opportunity.

Our Stories


Alzheimer’s Awareness

"Alzheimer’s Awareness Month" written above purple ribbon with brain in centre

January 8, 2025

Rainbow design bar

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to focus on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. For many individuals supported by St.Amant, this awareness is particularly important, as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a higher risk of developing dementia.

At St.Amant, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized support for those living with both IDD and dementia. Raising awareness ensures that these individuals receive the necessary support and resources for a life filled with dignity and comfort.

If you’d like to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and how to offer support, check out these helpful resources:

  • Alzheimer Society of Canada: www.alzheimer.ca – A leading source of information and support for individuals and caregivers dealing with dementia.
  • Dementia Friendly Canada: https://alzheimer.ca/en/get-involved/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-canada – A national campaign to spread awareness and build supportive communities for people living with dementia.
  • Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org – Provides valuable information on Alzheimer’s research, caregiving resources, and educational materials.

This January, let’s continue to educate ourselves and advocate for better understanding, and support for everyone affected. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we support.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Challenging Behaviour: Why it Happens & Effective Supports 1 (2.5 hrs)

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**This class is a prerequisite for Challenging Behaviour: Why it Happens & Effective Supports 2**

In this class, participants are introduced to a practical way of understanding challenging behaviour. Using the tools of Applied Behaviour Analysis, participants will be empowered to investigate the causes of challenging behaviour in the lives of the people they support. This class is an essential prerequisite for Challenging Behaviour 2, in which today’s knowledge will be used to begin developing behaviour support plans.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Challenging Behaviour: Why it Happens & Effective Supports 2 (2.5 hrs)

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**Highly recommended to first attend complete Challenging Behaviour: Why it Happens & Effective Supports 1**

Challenging behaviour can be disruptive, it can be an impediment to learning important skills, and it can interfere with the development of meaningful relationships with peers. In the last class, participants were introduced to the behavioural interpretation of challenging behaviour, why it happens, and the elements in our environment that influence learning. Today we will use that knowledge to begin developing behaviour support plans of our own to help the people we care about to reach their fullest potential.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Meaningful Goals & Successful Teaching Strategies 2

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**Highly recommended to first attend Meaningful Goals & Successful Teaching Strategies 1**

Building on the material from the last class, participants are introduced to more advanced learning concepts, including prompting, shaping, skill fluency, and higher-order problem-solving and creativity. To become good at something – whatever that may be – is the surest way to build self-confidence. But what does it really mean to be good at something? And what’s the best way to get there.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Meaningful Goals & Successful Teaching Strategies 1

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**This class is a prerequisite for Meaningful Goals & Successful Teaching Strategies 2**

We are usually pretty good at identifying big-picture, long-term goals for the people we support (e.g. more independence, meaningful relationships, academic skills, etc.) It can be much more difficult; however, to establish a step-by-step process to reach those goals that takes into account the individual’s strengths, preferences, and unique challenges. Today, effective teaching strategies will be introduced to help participants set goals, teach important skills, and remain optimistic about the future. Sample datasheets will be provided.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

Participants are introduced to the common signs and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this class, we encourage participants to imagine how the characteristics of autism can influence children’s experience as they grow up. Using many examples and personal stories, the official diagnostic criteria for ASD will be explored and explained in understandable language.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Planning Happy Days 1

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**This class is a prerequisite for Planning Happy Days 2**

In our everyday life, and as we grow up, we are faced with many options and decisions. It is important for the people we support to learn how to choose wisely and act effectively to enrich their quality of life and to get closer to the lifestyle and values that are important to them (and their community). In this workshop we explore many reasons why it can be difficult for people to understand their options and to act effectively when given choices. Many tips and possible solutions are offered. We will discuss personal values, skills and capabilities, personal supports, personal history, and more. 

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Planning Happy Days 2

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

**Highly recommended to first attend Planning Happy Days 1**

What’s the difference between a good day and a bad day? Today we will examine the ingredients that make up a ‘good day’ and explore strategies for creating good days with those we support. Good days include healthy routines, adequate sleep and nutrition, use of visual supports or other tools, and flexible expectations. Additionally, plans are better and days are happier when we work together with the people we support, taking the time to understand their capabilities and to personalize their supports. Many of the tools discussed in this class are appropriate for learners of all ages and abilities.

Our Stories


Fulfilling Potential Workshop Series: Toilet Training Like a Pro

December 20, 2024

Rainbow design bar

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn to conduct toilet training like a pro! You will be guided through a realistic training process which is based on clinical expertise and established science. Also included are practical tips and discussions of signs of readiness and common barriers during toilet training. Sample datasheets will be provided.